One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the best features of the models we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It has a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and the clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. The machine is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks with one chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating an emulsion known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll take them back to recycle.
The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee lover, it's a small price to pay for consistent barista style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing process: you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. But now and then there is a machine that blows convention out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in cafes, without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule has a precise amount of ground espresso, which is brewed using a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, so the machine and coffee never meet, and clean-up is a breeze.
This machine also has a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires a little more attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are all big selling points. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to make. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an excellent result every time.
This makes it very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.
It's easy to clean too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You can also track the condition of your machine and find out how much it has used. Registering your machine is recommended as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of embracing new technologies within the field, and is renowned for its top quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as they can. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in best pod coffee machine training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded the B-Corp designation, which is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named one of the World's Most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and for people as well They have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.